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Spenser Watkins is the Orioles’ fifth starter at least for the first time through the rotation.

Watkins stayed with the team after his stint on a two-man taxi squad in St. Petersburg, and he’s facing the Brewers tonight at Camden Yards. He made 16 appearances last summer, including 10 starts, and registered an 8.07 ERA and 1.701 WHIP in 54 2/3 innings.

Watkins allowed one run in each of his first three starts covering 15 1/3 innings.

Left-hander Alexander Wells could follow Watkins if the Orioles employ another tandem arrangement.

Wells started Thursday for Triple-A Norfolk and tossed four scoreless innings with one hit allowed. He made 11 appearances with the Orioles last season, including eight starts, and posted a 6.75 ERA and 1.617 WHIP in 42 2/4 innings.

Trey Mancini is starting at first base tonight, with Ryan Mountcastle serving as the designated hitter. Austin Hays is the cleanup hitter.

Chris Owings is starting at shortstop, with Jorge Mateo moving to the bench.

Cedric Mullins had his first multi-RBI game yesterday since Sept. 24. He’s 3-for-16 with nine strikeouts.

The Brewers are starting left-hander Eric Lauer. They were shut out by an American League East team for the first time since the Yankees beat them 5-0 on June 30, 2011.

For the Orioles

Cedric Mullins CF
Ryan Mountcastle DH
Trey Mancini 1B
Austin Hays LF
Ramón Urías 2B
Anthony Santander RF
Chris Owings SS
Kelvin Gutiérrez 3B
Robinson Chirinos C

Spenser Watkins RHP